Malachy O'Rourke hails Monaghan's resolve after opening day victory

Monaghan manager Malachy O'Rourke was pleased with the way his side dug in en route to their four-point victory over Roscommon in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League in Kiltoom.

With the wind at their backs, the westerners enjoyed a six-point lead at the break, but the reigning Ulster champions improved on the resumption and a late goal from their captain Conor McManus was decisive in the 2-10 to 1-09 opening day success.

Refelecting on the victory, O'Rourke told RTÉ Sport: "There were times it didn’t look great for us, but we hung in there and we tagged on a couple of great scores before that great goal from Conor finished the game off."

Indeed, the Farney boss would have settled for a share of the spoils after Fintan Cregg put the home side in front with injury time approaching.

"At that stage I was thinking we’d have settled for the draw, it was a good score from the angle, but we came straight back up the field to get a great score and then the goal came," he added.

Next up for Monaghan is a home clash with Down and O'Rourke is expecting an improved showing from the Mournemen after their opening day 15-point loss to Donegal.

"Down had a bad performance last night, they’ll be hurting after that and desperate to make amends. We’ll be at home and our aim is to pick up another two points.

"There is a fine line in this division, games are often on a knife edge.

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